Stearns Farm - Homestead Hoofers 4H Invitation

View Image Gallery

In the heart of a bustling urban neighborhood lies a hidden gem where agriculture is alive and well—thanks to a group of passionate young people with boots on the ground and dreams in the barn. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 6–8 p.m., the Homestead Hoofers 4-H Club invites the public to Potential Buyer Night at Stearns Homestead, a historic working farm located in Parma, Ohio.

This unique event is a celebration of youth, agriculture, and community—where guests can meet 4-H members who are raising livestock not in the countryside, but in the middle of an urban setting. From market hogs to rabbits, poultry to steer, these youth have taken on the challenge of raising animals with care, discipline, and pride, all while balancing the demands of city life.

Potential Buyer Night gives visitors the chance to explore the farm, talk directly with the youth, and learn firsthand what it means to raise and care for livestock. It’s a perfect evening for business owners, food lovers, and supporters of youth leadership programs. Attendees can even sample farm-fresh bites, such as savory meatballs and hearty chicken pot pie—offering a true taste of what these young agriculturalists have been working so hard to produce.

“People don’t usually associate agriculture with the city,” says Sodapop Kiser (raising a market steer for the 4th year). “But we're proof that farming can thrive anywhere—if you have passion, patience, and support.”

The evening also serves as a preview of the Jr. Fair Market Auction, a cornerstone event of the Cuyahoga County Fair, taking place this year on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This auction is the grand finale of months of effort, where buyers have the opportunity to invest in high-quality livestock and directly support local youth who represent the future of food, farming, and agribusiness.

Stearns Homestead remains a cornerstone for agricultural education in the community, offering a place where city kids can get their hands dirty, learn responsibility, and develop valuable life skills through their 4-H experience.

Whether you’re looking to fill your freezer, make meaningful connections, or simply witness something special growing in the city, Potential Buyer Night is your invitation to be part of it all.

Mark your calendars for May 3, bring a friend, and discover how the next generation of agricultural leaders is growing strong—right here in Parma.

This article was forwarded to me by Sabrina Kiser, Homestead Hoofers 4-H Club Advisor, and Market Project Adviser for Stearns Homestead.